Once again, the Ohio State Buckeyes protection has performed admirably.
But just like they have most of the season, the defence has shown its strength when it matters most. In this instance, Jordan Hancock intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown to put the Buckeyes ahead 14–9.
Security Josh Proctor was the one who deflected the play, which gave Hancock the opportunity to get under the ball and take it 93 yards in the opposite direction to score.
The Scarlet Knights were in the midst of what appeared to be their best drive of the game up to that point, easily moving the ball down the field, so the interception could not have come at a worse time for the Buckeyes.
Nevertheless, the play did not come without a price for the Buckeyes, as Proctor seemed shaken up following a significant altercation on the play.
Before the game, the Buckeyes had a depleted secondary due to the absence of starting safety Lathan Ransom and star corner Denzel Burke due to injuries.
Hancock has really stepped up for the Buckeyes in the absence of Burke, totaling 13 tackles in the last three weeks, including a significant forced fumble in last week’s victory over Wisconsin.
Hancock’s interception marked the beginning of both his season and his three-year tenure in Columbus.
publisher of AllAggies.com and LonghornsCountry.com. managing editor of TheGroveReports.com and BuckeyesNow.com. I can be found on Twitter at @MattGalatzan. I’m also available on TexansDaily.com, RamDigest.com, and other Fan Nation websites.
